Another day, same routine.

Tifa was washing the dishes as Marlene read stories to Denzel. Marlene had been cheery as of lately, with the distraction of helping Tifa. She had missed Barret nonstop and she knew that Barret probably felt the same.

Denzel had been slightly better, he had began to gain appetite more and he took more walks with Marlene. She wished they could have a normal childhood,but with their past, it didn't seem likely. She smiled at how Marlene had become attached to her , but she wished that they had a father-figure that was more constant in their lives.

"Oh well" she said softly to herself.

Cloud pulled up to the bar and dismounted his bike. He sighed as he walked into the bar and quietly sat himself at a table.

Tifa turned and she let out an involuntary smile.

"Cloud" she said breathlessly.

Cloud looked up at Tifa holding back a smile. "Tifa.."he said.

She smiled and as quick as she could gave him a drink.

"We've missed you" she said softly.

Cloud nodded and took a sip."How have things been around here?" he asked, ignoring the pain in his arm.

She tilted her head and smiled.

"Things have been good here" she said. "Denzel and Marlene missed you a lot , but they have really come out of their shell. Marlene helps me cook and Denzel is better. Barret is on another adventure as usual"she said slightly amused.

"I see..."Cloud took another sip of his drink then looked back up to her. "What about you?"he asked.

She blinked surprised by his question.

"I've....I've been fine, you know those two, and the bar, and the delivery service. It's kept me busy" she replied and looked at his drink.

I've missed you wish you would be here more often. Just stay longer this time please she thought.

"Hm..."he thought to himself. "Got any plans?"

She shook her head.

"I don't have time to plan anything" she replied.

"That's too bad..."he muttered with slight dissapointment.

Her shoulders slightly slumped at his comment. She was hoping he would talk to her and tell her about adventures or take her somewhere nice. She inwardly shook these thoughts.



At least he's here she thought.

"It's disappointing I know"

"I've..."he started as if he were struggling about deciding what words he would use."I've been thinking about alot lately..."

She looked at him and his expression. She intertwined her fingers together and waited for him to continue. She knew that it was wrong to push him into saying something, thus she stayed quiet.

Cloud looked to the ground struggling for words then looked back up to her."Is it wrong to fight...even when you dont know what you're fighting for...?"he thought back to the memories of his dead friends.

She stiffened at his question.

" Well Cloud..." she put her hand on over his. "I know you Cloud ...and you wouldn't fight without a reason.... Just know that when you come back...we'll be here...okay?"

She squeezed his hand and smiled.

Cloud nodded at her response and held back a smile.he took another sip of his drink and looked down at the hand that Tifa squeezed just as pain shot through it."Thanks...Tifa." he said trying to hide his pain behind a tough exterior. He set down the bottle and grabbed the hand that rested over his tight then stood up.

Her eyes followed him, and a pang in her chest followed.

I bothered him. she thought.

She pulled her hand back with apologetic eyes.

I hope he's not already leaving, but I know he will

Cloud walked to the door and stopped."I'll be outside. Just thought I'd get some air."he said then sat down outside, leaning against his bike.

She nodded and let out a light sigh of relief.

Not yet, he's not leaving yet....But he will, don't get your hopes up"

She got up and began to clean the bar now that it was closed. Cleaning was a distraction from the problems she had to deal with.

Cloud looked up at the sky in thought. He wondered if Tifa planned on telling Denzel and Marlene he was there. Or if she intended on coming out to join him.

She put her hands on her hands inspecting the whole room. It was spotless and she knew she had avoided the problem. She hadn't told Denzel or Marlene anything. She didn't have the heart to have them all excited then have to see him go.

She walked out of the bar and walked to where she knew Cloud would be. She smiled slightly ignoring the chill.

"Cloud? How long will you be staying?" she asked him softly.

Cloud looked up at her, hiding a smile. "A few days."He replied.

Her eyes brightened and she couldn't help but let out a smile. She walked right next to him and she felt herself calm .

"I'll tell the children once they wake up" she said hiding her excitement.